Professionals

The state of services for youth with severe, comorbid, developmental disorders and mental illness represents a clear and present state and national crisis. Questions about how to best address the needs of some of the most vulnerable youth in our nation continue to perplex educators, administrators, and public policymakers. Despite more than 30 years of dialogue, some have argued that little programmatic consensus and little disbursement of funding, in comparison to need, has left youth identified with severe, multiple, comorbid disabilities (e.g., autism, developmental disabilities, mental retardation, and severe psychiatric impairment) without adequate services (Heflin & Simpson, 1998).

Gaps between and across funding categories contribute to the failure of “real-world” solutions and reinforce the perception that “somebody else” will address the problems. Issues such as lack of comprehensive service provision and limits imposed on the involvement of families and caregivers are also contributors that significantly limit the potential of this susceptible population and take a high toll on their families and system of care. Recent findings from a needs assessment conducted by The Autism Program (S. D. Kelley et al., 2004) and Illinois Department of Children & Family Services representatives (personal communication) concur that there are no agencies or programs of this nature in existence where youth in critical need can be appropriately treated and reintegrated. The consequences of this crisis are higher costs, family disintegration, higher rates of abuse and neglect, homelessness, and poor long-term care in home communities. The consequence of these systemic flaws is that throughout the nation and particularly in Illinois, youth with significant disabilities who are in need of acute care services are falling through the cracks.

The Hope Institute for Children and Families is at the forefront of addressing these issues. The Hope Institute for Children and Families is a private, not-for-profit, multifaceted educational, residential, health services, research, and training provider focused on supporting youth and families to reach optimum growth, independence, and joy. In collaboration with university partners and families, The Hope Institute serves more than 115 children (ages 5-21) with multiple disabilities, including autism. Although there are numerous day students, most of the children live and receive residential services through the Hope Center for Residential Services year-round and attend either the on-grounds accredited school or are enrolled at local public schools. Each child has a living and learning program.

The Hope Institute employs more than 470 staff and links eight Illinois Universities while collaborating with four out-of state research one institutions. Staff of the Hope Institute includes direct care providers, nurses, vocational/job coaches, teachers, occupational, physical and speech therapists, behavior specialists, clinical psychologists, medical practitioners, and researchers.

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